Jarvis, J. “Commodore Bainbridge”

J. Jarvis.  “Commodore Bainbridge.” 

New York: P. Maverick, 1820.   8 3/4 x 7 1/2 (image).  Engraved by Peter Maverick.  Some light age spotting, and three small ticks from the original printing.  Print is somewhat time-toned.  Print has been professionally conserved.  Stauffer, 2183.  A scarce print.  [The National Portrait Gallery in Washington has an engraving of the same size after Jarvis, but engraved by Asher B. Durand].

William Bainbridge (1774-1833) served in the American merchant marine in his early career, and entered the U.S. Navy in 1798 anticipating the quasi war with France.  He became famous in 1803 when his ship the frigate Philadelphia ran aground in Tripoli Harbour, and he and his crew were held captive for almost two years.  He returned to merchant service then returned to the Navy with the outbreak of the War of 1812.  Under Isaac Hull’s command he captured the British frigate Guerriere and soon thereafter sank the frigate Java, both when captain of the U.S.S. Constitution.  He was rightly included in John Wesley Jarvis’ 1813 series depicting portraits of American heroes in the War of 1812 for the New York city Hall.